5 Surprising Hobbies of King Charles: From Painting to Collecting Coins
King Charles, the monarch of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 to 1649, is famously known for his trials, tribulations, and political incorrectness. However, there was another side to the king that is often overlooked – his hobbies. William Shakespeare once said, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” In that sense, King Charles had many roles to play, including painter, musician, collector, and more. Let’s explore the lesser-known hobbies of King Charles and how they shaped his life.
1. Painting
King Charles was a passionate painter, with an impressive collection of artworks during his reign. He even had a room in his palace for painting. His paintings often dealt with political and religious themes.
One of the most famous paintings attributed to King Charles is the Portrait of Henrietta Maria, which he painted of his wife. It’s worth noting that King Charles was not professionally trained in painting, but he showed tremendous interest and skill in it.
2. Music
King Charles was also a gifted musician, with a talent for playing various instruments. His favorite instrument was the viola da gamba, a stringed instrument popular in the Renaissance period.
During his reign, King Charles was instrumental in establishing music as an art form in the royal court. He even employed musicians from Italy and France to entertain the court. His love for music is evident in his patronage of music and musicians during his reign.
3. Collecting
King Charles had an eclectic taste in collecting, with a passion for coins, gems, and antiques. He often added to his collections by purchasing rare and exotic items during his travels. His coin collection is particularly noteworthy, with an extensive collection of Roman coins, as well as coins from various ancient Greek civilizations.
King Charles also had a fascination for gems and precious stones and was known to have spent vast sums on making his collection more extensive. His love for collecting was a reflection of his curiosity and passion for the arts and history.
4. Hunting
Like many monarchs of his time, King Charles enjoyed hunting and participated in various sports, including hunting deer and wild boars. He was an accomplished horseman and often participated in horse racing events.
Hunting was not just a sport for King Charles but also a way to display his power and authority. He often invited foreign visitors to participate in these events as a sign of his wealth and opulence.
5. Architecture
King Charles was not just a collector and artist but also a fan of unique architecture. He played a significant role in shaping the baroque style of architecture in England. His palace at Greenwich, which he commissioned, is one of the best examples of baroque architecture in England.
King Charles’s interest in architecture was not limited to just building grand edifices. He was also interested in city planning and urban design. He envisioned a radical redesign of London’s streets, including wider roads and more public spaces, which was ahead of its time.
Conclusion
King Charles’s hobbies were a reflection of his personality, interests, and passions. They allowed him to indulge in artistic pursuits, explore his curiosity, and connect with his subjects. His hobbies also helped him develop his skills and play a crucial role in shaping his legacy. While King Charles’s reign may have been tumultuous, his hobbies remind us of the softer side of the monarch and provide insight into the man behind the crown.
